Introducing G.E.N.E

Who is G.E.N.E? Well let me take this time to introduce him to you. G.E.N.E (a.k.a. GOD’s Evangelist Neutralizing the Enemy), whose real name is Melvin E. Cotton lll is an Orlando based Christian hip-hop artist, and owner /CEO of CTK & Affiliates has been using his gift of rhyme to reach audiences everywhere. His ministry foundation is built on the following biblical verse from 1 Peter 2:9 ‘But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.’ His music project entitled “Christ the King”, also his slogan is a collection of ten songs discussing the Royal status GOD has called us to live & uphold.

He was born June 16, 1987 in Montgomery, Alabama. As a child he was always interested in various forms of entertainment such as music, sports, etc. At the age of eleven he accepted Jesus Christ and began walking in his calling. Over the years G.E.N.E. became heavily involved with the youth ministry at his church and there is where he fostered his spiritually walk and relationship with Jesus Christ.

After he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at age 11, then began his journey and walk with Christ in his life; music and entertainment became his outlet and fun. At that age the only thing a young Christian knew as fun was going to church; which in all actuality at that age wasn’t much fun. This was before Christian rap was big and being a young Christian, this was seen as being cool or fun. So he spent a lot of time with young Christian adults learning from them and growing spiritually and then trying to create things that he could use to draw his friends to be involved, as a way of sharing Christ with them. One of the biggest things was Youth events & productions, which he was heavily involved in, and with that came an unknown talent for using GOD’s word in the form of rhyme to share Christ through music. (Christian Hip-Hop/Rap) and shortly after he connected with a group of young (older) guys who shared the same passion he had for music and together they grew as young ministers and artists.

G.E.N.E says, “I took that same passion and gift with me as I left to go off to college and there is where more of my interest in production and events began to foster and grow which aided to my musical talents. Christian Hip Hop was my outlet as a young Christian teenager; it was a gift GOD gave me to keep engaged in Church and to share with my friends and others about His Love through His son Jesus Christ. I fell in Love with Jesus and He gave me music.”

Since 2005, G.E.N.E has been featured on several musical projects; and has toured in the U.S. having the pleasure of performing on stages along side artists like, Thi’sl, Christon Gray, Montell Jordan, Regina Belle, Thrill da Playa, Royce Lovett, Canton Jones & more.

In 2013 he released a music project entitled “Christ the King”, also his slogan which is a collection of ten songs discussing the Royal status GOD has called us to live & uphold. G.E.N.E said; “this is more than music and much bigger than me, it’s a movement. When you hear me say Christ The King, it is a declaration that Jesus Christ is King and Lord of every aspect of my life; so whether good or bad, He has and always will work every situation out for my good and for His Glory.” In June 2015 he launched his production company CTK & Affiliates: Live, Work & Perform on a higher level”, a faith based production company providing viewers with an experience that is entertaining, biblical and conducive for their spiritual growth.

As a faith-based production producer, businessman and more importantly man of God; he uses all his creative gifts in music, play and script writing and event production to engage audiences and promote Christ Jesus. G.E.N.E attends Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Oviedo, FL; where he services as a Youth Leader in Antoich’s Youth Ministry teaching middles & high school Wednesday night bible study and assisting in the coordination of youth events to engage and spread the message of Jesus Christ to today’s youth.

G.E.N.E further clarified that he operates on the Three P principle; (Party, Praise, Purpose). He said, ‘we party because we are celebrating our new abundant life with Christ, we Praise God for this life and sending his son Jesus Christ to die for our sins, and we have Purpose, which is to be a witness for God spreading the message and love of Jesus Christ.”

G.E.N.E on the 22nd of January 2016 released the single “New Levels” which is now available for download on iTunes, Google Play, and all major digital distributors. More music from the artist can be downloaded from the website given at the end of this review. What is the story behind this single? The song whose scriptural foundation is Romans 8:17, summaries that as Christians, sometimes we have to experience pain in order for us to grow. It may take going through a tough season in order for GOD to move us to “New Level”. This song was written to encourage listeners to embrace troubling times, as they are a preparation for something greater to come. #ProudGradUOP

Here is the video below which I will further talk about.

This single is so much relevant to the Christian faith and shall I say it is also a song in season as I write this blog. G.E.N.E also emphasis that the Christian faith is not all rosy by saying, ” I gotta go through this,But I really don’t want to, it’s to much foolishness,Talking about what they gone do, see I just wanna be Blessed, (Yea)And avoid all trouble, but that don’t make no sense, (No it don’t)Because even Christ had to suffer,So I endure for the sake of my King, with my eyes on Him because I know He has the keys …”

Now that right there is real talk !!!!! Jesus Christ Himself had to suffer as stated in 2 Corinthians 8:9 the bible says, ‘For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.’
NF says in his song I Can Feel It, “……thank God for the hard times, cause I guarantee without them I wouldn’t be here…….” The lyrics are fireeeeeeeeeeeee but the video to me was a disappointment as I expected something much much better. G.E.N.E I know you can improve this, anyways here are the lyrics:

Verse one: (G.E.N.E.)I gotta go through this, But I really don’t want to, it’s to much foolishness, Talking about what they gone do, see I just wanna be Blessed, (Yea) And avoid all trouble, but that don’t make no sense, (No it don’t) Because even Christ had to suffer, So I endure for the sake of my King, with my eyes on Him because I know He has the keys, like Martin LutherKing yea my Lord had a dream for His people to be saved living free indeed,to be like you Lord I’m a take that, to reflect your image keep myself in check, gotta watch my thoughts and my mouth in this and it’s not just this but the life I live. So don’t take my kindness for a weakness, I just wanna be meek man, I wanna be bigger than this more importantly I just wanna keep peace man. It’s not enough to read those

words and say it, if I don’t act it out then it’s time I’m wasting, but it’s a little hard out here I ain’t playing but apart of the plan so I just keep saying (Aye G.E.N.E).

Chorus: (Norman Michael)Now I’m changing how I’m thinking cause my walk it ain’t the same, When it’s raining I’m not shaking cause it growth I call it change, I’m not caring what they saying I’m just trying to be the change, that I’m feeling in my Spirit everyday…. So I say. New levels, new levels, new levels, I’m on,

New levels, new levels, new levels, I’m on, New levels, new levels, new levels, I’m on, I’m on it man, yea I’m on it, I’m on it

Verse two: (Amaris Star)Stairway to heaven ain’t no way I’m coming down, Climbing up to reach new levels, up to the top to get my crown – it’s like, This world around me taking steps back, watch the devil beat them down Scared to put up a fight, and live for Christ, sitting round like they finna cash out Yo we waging war, we pumping fist, they disbelief, it make me sick I’m going till my last breath, got faith gang across my chest – Yes Humble servant God I’m here to do your will

Take me higher, take me higher, Break me down so you can build me up Lord I need you, Lord I need you, Lord I need you so ohh Lord I need you, Lord I need you, Lord I need you so ohh Every time I think about your goodness, Every time I think about your love Every time I think about your blessings, your mercy, your grace It’s something from above But I gotta keep on trying, And I gotta keep on praying, You know I gotta keep on pushing Steadfast and I’m la-­‐la, looking Levels, levels, levels, le-­‐le-­‐le-­‐levels Wanna roll with us, in God we trust, unlock his love This ain’t no candy crush one level up

Chorus: (Norman Michael)Now I’m changing how I’m thinking cause my walk it ain’t the same, When it’s raining I’m not shaking cause it growth I call it change, I’m not caring what they saying I’m just trying to be the change, that I’m feeling in my Spirit everyday…. So I say. New levels,new levels, new levels, I’m on, New levels, new levels, new levels, I’m on, New levels, new levels, new levels, I’m on, I’m on it man, yea I’m on it, I’m on it